Getting Down To Business
Top 10 Places to Propose in San Diego
Photo by Vallentyne Photography
OLD WORLD ICON
With its Spanish architecture, dimly lit alcoves, tiled fountains and a wishing well beneath a shroud of trees, The Prado speaks of Old World romance. Located in the House of Hospitality in the heart of San Diego’s world-famous Balboa Park, this National Historic Landmark was originally built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. Today, the award-winning restaurant is a popular spot for proposals, engagement parties and dreamy weddings. “The best part about proposing at The Prado is you can follow up with a beautiful wedding in the same location—whether an intimate gathering or a grand affair,” says Jessica Cohn Feinman, a member of the Cohn Restaurant Group, which owns and manages the restaurant and adjacent ballrooms. 619.557.9441; balboapark.org
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
She will literally be on cloud nine when you propose in a private, hot- air balloon, sailing over Del Mar. Not only are you guaranteed stunning views during the privately piloted flight, but the folks at Magical Adventure Balloon Rides will also make sure you don’t forget the words. They will synchronize with the pilot to ensure that, at just the right moment, the balloon hovers over a sign on the ground below that says, “Will you marry me?” Owner Denni Barrett explains, “We’ve only had one ‘No’ these past eight years.” While his staff works diligently to ensure a memorable proposal, they can only do so much to ease the jitters. “Just don’t do like one guy did and drop the ring over the side of the balloon midflight!” Barrett adds. “Luckily, the ring was a fake.” 866-ENJOY-US; hotairfun.com
RACE TO THE FINISH
After months of preparation and anxiety, the big day is finally here—race day, that is. While running 26.2 miles is an amazing feat, there are those overachieving runners who make the race even more dramatic by proposing at the finish line. Runners pop the question every year at the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, both in San Diego and across the nation. Dan Cruz, public relations manager at Elite Racing, the group that organizes the event, has been with the company only two years and already he has seen three proposals. “Most of the time, the couples have trained together and are experiencing the jubilation of having accomplished something really big,” he says. “So far the answer has always been ‘Yes,’ but maybe by that point they’re too tired to say no!” 858.450.6510; rnrmarathon.com
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
If you want the kind of engagement story that ends in “…and the rest is history,” start at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. From the Craftsman-style lodge to the inspiring menu at A.R. Valentien, the features of this romantic resort are ideal for a life-changing proposal. “I’ve been married 30 years, and it’s obvious to me why The Lodge would be a good place to propose,” says Steve Pelzer, the hotel’s marketing director. “There are rare trees, magnificent views of the ocean, and you can even sit and watch hang gliders coming off the cliffs.” Whether beneath a shady tree or at a private banquet table overlooking the Pacific, the places for getting down on one knee at The Lodge are truly memorable. 858.453.4420; lodgetorreypines.com
PEACEFUL REVELATION
A place for meditation, the gardens at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas also provide an Eden-like backdrop for a proposal grounded in spirituality and well-being. Sister Sarala of the Fellowship says, “If I were in a relationship heading down the marriage road, I would feel it’s the best place in the world to get engaged. Especially with the fabulous garden and the sun setting on the ocean.” While the temple and grounds are a holy place visited by people from all over the world, you don’t have to be spiritual to share a quiet, intimate moment with your significant other. She only asks that you save the romantic embrace and guitar playing for later. 760.753.1811; encinitastemple.org
BATTER UP
Being at the right place at the right time is key to popping the question during a baseball game at Petco Park—and it doesn’t help to also know a cameraman or two. “The only time I filmed a proposal in the past four seasons, I just happened to see it happening in the audience,” says Matt Cowgill, camera operator for both the JumboTron at Petco and Channel 4. “We made eye contact, he waited for me to get him up on the screen, and then he popped the question—definitely a ‘right place at the right time’ type of thing.” The ballpark’s camera operators are never given special requests such as this, which makes a Petco proposal hard to come by. But if you are feeling lucky, you just might make your big-screen debut on the biggest day of your life. 619.795.5000; padres.mlb.com
SLEEPLESS IN THE CITY
For those who don’t already own a multimillion-dollar penthouse suite with panoramic views of the city, Top of the Hyatt provides a sweet alternative for a picturesque proposal. Located on the 40th floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, this upscale bar features an almost 360-degree panorama from Balboa Park to Baja Mexico to Point Loma. Kelly Commerford, director of marketing at the hotel, enjoys the diversity of the view. “You’re in a classy four-diamond hotel,” she says, “and you can look down and incorporate the beauty of nature with the grandness of the military ships in the bay.” Who wouldn’t say “yes” to that? 619.232.1234; manchestergrand.hyatt.com
ON THE OPEN SEA
A magnificent replica of the original 139-foot yacht that started the America’s Cup racing tradition back in 1851, America offers an unparalleled maritime proposal. With its beautiful gold emblems on the bow, giant American flag flowing at the helm and beautifully polished teak decks, this vessel is well equipped for a memorable outing—all you need to bring is a bottle of champagne and some plastic cups. Although not a private event, your engagement will be undoubtedly special, and the staff goes to great lengths to ensure it. On one of the first sails of the 2009 season, Warren Allan, vice president of sales and marketing, held the boat at dock for two extra hours to wait for a couple-to-be to drive down the coast from Paso Robles. “He didn’t get there until 7 p.m.” says Allan. “So I bribed the other guests with offers of alcohol and free trips. In the end, he proposed at sunset, she said ‘Yes,’ the champagne from my pers-onal fridge was served, and everybody was happy.” 800.644.3454;
stars-stripes.com
SWEET SERENADE
“The venue is gorgeous,” Stephen Kougias, public relations director of the San Diego Symphony, says of the Champagne Chalet, an outdoor room available during Summer Pops concerts. “It’s surrounded by water, and you can see the downtown skyline, the Marina and San Diego Bay, all in one place. And the best part is, you can actually choose the concert you want to attend and watch it from the chalet.” Located at the Embarcadero Arena Park, the chalet is separate from regular concert seats and situated under a canopy near the edge of the water. For the ultimate proposal, you can make arrangements with the catering staff and invite friends and family to join in an impromptu engagement party. 619.615.3910; sandiegosymphony.com
THE RIGHT SET OF WHEELS
With the expanse of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the view of downtown and the bay on the other, a bike ride along Point Loma’s peninsula provides serenity for the most jittery of proposers. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon riding—or driving—to Point Loma’s historic lighthouse. Jason Richards, a guard at the Cabrillo Monument for years, has seen his share of proposals. “Most people go to the ‘Wedding Bluff’ that looks out over the Pacific and is right next to the lighthouse,” he says. “I was closing one evening and headed back to the lighthouse area to close up, and suddenly I saw this guy drop to his knee, so I backed off and waited while he proposed. Unfortunately, I had to say, ‘Gosh, guys, that was beautiful, but you’ll have to leave now.’” The ring, the romance, the majestic peninsula—it’s all mesmerizing, so long as you keep your eye on the time! 619.557.5450; nps.gov
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